Tag Archives: Animals

Tiptoe Tapirs

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BOOM! BAM-BAM! CAW-CAW! These are some of the sounds of the jungle. One that animal people will not hear is the tapir. Tapir and Little Tapir tiptoe around the jungle softly, so they will not disturb anything or anyone. On Little Tapir’s birthday, Tapir and Little Tapir travel to the Great Puddle  to eat mud cakes. Suddenly, “THUD, THUD, THUD…GROWL!” a leopard attacks. The tapirs run from the leopard when they are surprised by a sharp BANG! A hunter has entered the jungle. Little Tapir notices that Leopard is frightened by the noise. Together he and his mother teach him how to walk silently. From now on, Leopard and the rest of the animals tiptoe silently to avoid hunter’s attention. Exquisite pen-and-ink and watercolor illustrations, rhythmic text, and onomatopoeia words work perfectly in this original pourquoi story. ema

Title: Tiptoe Tapirs Author: Hanmin Kim Illustrator: Hanmin Kim Publisher: Holiday House Copyright: 2015 Original Language: Korean Translator: Sera Lee Original Title: Tapir’s Soft Steps Original Publisher: BIR Publishing Co. Ltd. Original Copyright: 2013 ISBN: 978-0-8234-3395-7 Hardcover pages: 32 Age range: 4-8 Genre: Picture Book Author’s ethnicity: South Korean Author’s residence: Seoul Illustrator’s ethnicity: South Korean Illustrator’s residence: Seoul Subjects:  Animals sounds, Fairytale/ Folk tales, Hunters, Jungle, Noise, Tapirs

A Pair Of Twins

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One day in Mysore, India, a pair of “twins” are born. The two are commonly referred to as “twins” because they are born only a few moments apart. When Sundari is born, she is a three-and-a-half kilo baby girl while Laksmi is a 500-kilo elephant calf. As Lakshmi and Sundari  grow older, it becomes apparent that they are treated differently because of their sex. Sundari wants to become a mahout (elephant trainer), but her father refuses to allow her to be a mahout because he believes the job belongs to her brother. Lakshmi is banned from being the lead elephant of the Dussehra procession because she is a female elephant. Eventually, the twins are able to convince people that they are the right pair to lead the Dussehra procession, making them the first females to do so. Gorgeous dry pastel, charcoal, ink, watercolor, and pencil illustrations play perfectly with this wondrous tale about two friends who strive for equal rights. ema

Title: A Pair Of Twins Author: Kavitha Mandana Illustrator: Nayantara Surendranath Publisher: Karadi Tales Company Pvt. Ltd. Copyright: 2014 Original Language: English ISBN: 978-8181903020  Paperback pages: 32 Age range: 6 up Genre: Picture Book Book setting: Mysore, India Author’s ethnicity: Indian Author’s residence: India Illustrator’s ethnicity: Indian Illustrator’s residence: Indian Awards: 2015 ALA Amelia Bloomer Project List Book Subjects: Elephants, Elephant Training, Feminism, Folklore, Gender Roles, Human-Animal Relationships, India, Tales, Women’s Rights

Worms

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John-Paul finds himself dying of boredom at a dinner party his father hosts for the senior executives from the factory. The adults are chatting about subjects he doesn’t understand when John-Paul’s father asks him to bring in the salads. He seizes this perfect opportunity to have a bit of fun and make the dinner more lively. Carefully, the mischievous boy places one bait worm in each of the guest’s salad bowls, brings them out to the dining room, and proceeds to eagerly observe each guest’s varied reaction. Dinner has finally become more entertaining for John-Paul and he laughs hysterically until scolded by his father to eat his salad. The boy eats up all his leafy greens, worm and all. The delightful retro style illustrations, especially the expressive tiny pink worms, capture the reader’s imagination and enhance the silly nature of the story. cc

Title: Worms Author: Bernard Friot Illustrator: Aurélie Guillerey Publisher: Kids Can Press Copyright: 2015 Original Language: French Translator: Yvette Ghione Original Title: Asticots Original Publisher: Éditions Milan Original Copyright: 2010 ISBN: 978-1-77138-571-8 Hardcover pages: 24 Age range: 4-7 Genre: Picture book Author’s ethnicity: French Author’s residence: France Illustrator’s ethnicity: French Illustrator’s residence: France Subjects: Dining, Dinners, Practical jokes, Worms

 

Mad About Monkeys

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This nonfiction picture book colorfully and innovatively educates readers about various types of monkeys from around the world without being pedantic. Jazzy illustrations resembling a graphic arts styled poster accurately depict several species of monkeys. Readers learn about how monkeys evolved, the classification of the Primate group, the difference between Old and New World monkeys, unique characteristics of monkeys, monkey mythology, and the impact of the deforestation of the rainforest.  With helpful examples, guiding illustrations, and comical phrases like “‘But why such colorful bums?’ I hear you ask” will leave readers feeling like they are on a lively safari. ema

Title: Mad About Monkeys Author: Owen Davey Illustrator: Owen Davey Publisher: Flying Eye Books Copyright: 2015 Original Language: English ISBN: 978-1-909263-57-4 Hardcover pages: 40 Age range: 5-10  Genre: Picture Book, Nonfiction, Information Book Book setting: Around the World Author’s ethnicity: English Author’s residence: Leicester Illustrator’s ethnicity: English Illustrator’s residence: Leicester Subjects: Fact book, Monkeys, Jungles, Rainforests

The Bus Ride

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This book captures the thrills, fears, and excitement a child has when  experiencing something new. It is Clara’s first time riding on the bus to her grandmother’s house alone. Detailed illustrations, made by tiny strokes of softly colored pencils, and words are reminiscent of  “Little Red Riding Hood”. Similarities include Clara traveling to her grandmother’s house, a red sweater and picnic basket, and a family of wolves. Readers should pay close attention to the other character’s actions and newspaper headings which foreshadow upcoming events. ema

Title: The Bus Ride Author: Marianne Dubuc Illustrator: Marianne Dubuc Publisher: Kids Can Press Copyright: 2015 Original Language: French Translator: Yvette Ghione Original Title: L’autobus Original Publisher: Comme des géants inc. Original Copyright: 2014 ISBN: 978-1-77138-209-0 Hardcover pages: 40 Age range: 3-7 Genre: Picture Book Author’s ethnicity: French Canadian Author’s residence: Canada Illustrator’s ethnicity: French Canadian Illustrator’s residence: Canada Subjects: Busses, Bus ride, Fairytales, Friendly community, Independence, Little Red Riding Hood, Travel

Tales From Nasreddin Hodja

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Nasreddin Hodja is Turkey’s best-known trickster. These 43 witty and silly short tales are based on the works of Nasreddin, who was born in the village of Horto in south-central Turkey in 1208. Hodja is a title meaning teacher or scholar. Hodja is a hard-working, honest, and beloved character whose advice is solicited by the local villagers. Absurd questions, practical jokes, and witty one-liners characterize the humorous anecdotes. Watercolor and ink drawings add to the fun. mjw

Title: Tales From Nasreddin Hodja Author: Cengiz Demir Illustrator: Oznur Kalender – Erdogan Ogultekin Publisher: Tughra Books Copyright: 2013 Original Language: Turkish Translator: Serdar Aslar Original Title: Nasrettin Hoca Serisi Original Copyright: 2010 ISBN: 978-1-59784-285-3 Paperback pages: 143 Age range: 7-9 Genre: Fiction, Folktales Book setting: Turkey Author’s ethnicity: Turkish Author’s residence: Istanbul, Turkey Subjects: Central Asia, Folklore, Humor, Middle East, Tales, Wisdom

Over The Hills And Far Away: A Treasury Of Nursery Rhymes

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This collection of 150 culturally diverse nursery rhymes  is illustrated  by a fantastic team of 77 well-known and emerging artists  from various countries. The collection combines familiar and unfamiliar nursery rhymes on the same page to complement each other and create new and refreshing interpretations. Both younger and older readers will swoon over the pictures and laugh aloud when reading these rhymes. A book perfect for reading aloud. ema

Title: Over The Hills And Far Away: A Treasury Of Nursery Rhymes Author: Collected by Elizabeth Hammill Illustrator: Various Publisher: Seven Stories Copyright: 2014 Original Language: English Original Title: Over The Hills And Far Away: A Treasury Of Nursery Rhymes Original Publisher: Frances Lincoln Children’s Books Original Copyright: 2014 ISBN: 978-1-84780-406-8 Hardcover pages: 160 Age range: 3-7 Genre: Nursery Rhyme Picture Book Author’s ethnicity: English Author’s residence: Newcastle upon Tyne Illustrator’s ethnicity: Various Illustrator’s residence: Various Subjects: African American, Akan, American, Anglo American, Art, Australian, Caribbean, Chinese American, Chippewa, Classics, English, Diversity, Inuit,  Jamaican, Language, Latino, Maori, Mother Goose Rhymes, Nursery Rhymes, Oral reading, Poetry, Punjabi, Scottish, South African, Tohono O’odham, Trinidadian, Tsimshian, Wintu, Yiddish

If You Happen To Have A Dinosaur

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If you happened to find a dinosaur in your home, what would you do with him? You would be surprised to see how helpful he could be.  Would you put him to use as a can opener, a burglar alarm, or an umbrella? Would you use him as a lawnmower or an excuse for incomplete homework? The book also warns readers that some dinosaurs are not suited for every type of chore; It is about finding the right fit. This whimsical, absurd tale allows the reader’s imagination to run wild while exploring the domestic uses of a dino. The bold, playful illustrations add to the humorous and exaggerative nature of the story. cc

Title: If You Happen To Have A Dinosaur Author: Linda Bailey Illustrator: Colin Jack Publisher:  Tundra Books Copyright: 2014 Original Language: English ISBN: 978-1770495685 Hardcover pages: 40 Age range: 4-8 Genre: Picture Book Author’s ethnicity: Canadian Author’s residence: Canada Illustrator’s ethnicity: Canadian Illustrator’s residence: Canada Subjects: Animals, Chores, Dinosaurs, Housework, Jobs

 

Same, Same But Different

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Elliot lives in America and Kailish lives in India. They exchange drawings and notes as part of a Picture Pals project in their schools. The boys compare families, pets, cities, alphabets, and art and yoga classes, and discover that they are best friends even though they live in two different worlds. Or do they? “Different, different but the same!” The colorful, detailed and vivid art, rendered in acrylic, crayon, pencil, collage, and tissue paper, illustrates the differences and similarities between the boys’ homes. Stamps on the endpapers are whimsical and fun. In this age of instant access through the Internet, students can see a different way to communicate. The author/illustrator traveled to Nepal and India where she learned the popular saying “same, same but different” that is used to compare cultures. mjw

Title: Same, Same But Different Author: Jenny Sue Kostecki-Shaw Illustrator: Jenny Sue Kostecki-Shaw Publisher: Henry Holt and Company, New York Copyright: 2011 Original Language: English ISBN: 978-0-8050-8946-2 Hardcover pages: 40 Age range: 4-7 Genre: Picture Book Book setting: U.S. and India Author’s ethnicity: U.S. Author’s residence: U.S. Illustrator’s ethnicity: U.S. Illustrator’s residence: U.S. Awards: 2012 South Asia Book Award, 2012 Ezra Jack Keats New Illustrator Award Subjects: Alphabet, Friendship, Pen pals

The Herd Boy

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Readers experience a typical day of the courageous and bright Malusi who is responsible for protecting a herd of sheep in South Africa. Malusi dreams of becoming president despite his friend’s doubts. Expressive illustrations of the lively landscape, a special appearance by Nelson Mandela, a glossary of words from South Africa, and a note from the author describing the inspiration for the book are featured. ema

Title: The Herd Boy Author: Niki Daly Illustrator: Niki Daly Publisher: Eerdmans Books for Young Readers Copyright: 2012 Original Language: English Original Publisher: Janetta Otter-Barry Books, Frances Lincoln Books Original Copyright: 2012 ISBN: 978-0802854179 Hardcover pages: 32 Age range: 6-10 Genre: Picture Book Book setting: South Africa Author’s ethnicity: South African Author’s residence: Cape Town Awards: 2012 Junior Library Guild Selection, Poetry Center at Passaic County CC, 2013 Paterson Prize for Young People Honor Book, United States Board on Books for Young People (USBBY), 2013 Outstanding International Books Subjects: African People, Animals, Baboons, Family, Food, Friends, Herders, Language, Leaders, Nelson Mandela, Presidents, Sheep, South Africa, Xhosa, World Leaders

Gorillas In Our Midst

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A young bespectacled boy warns that you should always carry a banana with you because you never know when there might be a gorilla around. Gorillas are masters of disguise and they are really good at hiding. They can be astronauts, scuba divers, surgeons, ninjas – even Gorilliam Shakespeare or Apebraham Lincoln. This humorous story with fanciful illustrations of gorillas everywhere ends with a surprising twist. Only grown-ups will get the pun in the title. (Dr. Dian Fossey’s classic nature memoir, Gorillas In The Mist.) The author and illustrator are known for their comic series about the superhero dinosaur, Blastosaurus.  mjw

Title: Gorillas In Our Midst Author: Richard Fairgray and Terry Jones Illustrator: Richard Fairgray and  Terry Jones.  Coloring by Tara Black Publisher: Sky Pony Press, an imprint of Skyhorse Publishing, Inc, New York Copyright: 2015 Original Language: English ISBN: 978-1-63220-607-7 Hardcover pages: 32 Age range: 3-6 Genre: Picture Book Author’s ethnicity: Born and raised in New Zealand Author’s residence: Auckland, New Zealand Illustrator’s ethnicity: Welsh Illustrator’s residence: Auckland, New Zealand Subjects: Apes, Disguise, Gorillas, Humorous stories, Monkeys

The Blue Whale

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Readers will feel like they are on a fantastic journey with the little boy who is also reading The Blue Whale. Illustrations are helpful in conveying  the size of a whale, and the use of images and comparisons gives the perfect visualization of the enormousness of a blue whale in relation to everyday objects. The rich and playful illustrations are well woven with fascinating facts about the “largest living creature on our planet”. ema

Title: The Blue Whale Author: Jenni Desmond Illustrator: Jenni Desmond Publisher: Enchanted Lion Books Copyright: 2015 Original Language: English ISBN: 978-1-59270-165-0 Hardcover pages: 48 Age range: 4-8 Genre: Nonfiction Picture Book Author’s ethnicity: English Author’s residence: London Illustrator’s ethnicity: English  Illustrator’s residence: London Subjects: Animals, Blue Whales, Ecology, Endangered Species, Facts, Nonfiction, Ocean, Pollution, Protected Species, Science, Water, Whales, Wildlife